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Drama

Shoulder Dance (2023): Cast & Ratings

Shoulder Dance (2023) movie poster

Shoulder Dance is a 2023 drama directed by Jay Arnold, starring Matt Dallas as Ira, Rick Cosnett and Taylor Frey. It runs 1 hour 43 minutes. Its Echo Score is 58/100.

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Shoulder Dance (2023) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 43m (103 min)
Director
Jay Arnold
Genre
Drama
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Shoulder Dance About?

The premise of Shoulder Dance without spoilers.

After 24 years apart, best friends Ira and Roger reunite for an unexpected weekend. The reunion stirs up long-buried feelings and desires, threatening to disrupt the stability of Ira’s relationship with his partner, Josh. As the lines between friendship, love, and attraction blur, Ira finds his loyalties and commitments challenged in a way he never anticipated. The weekend promises to be a complicated and emotionally charged experience for all involved.

Shoulder Dance Themes & Keywords

· 14 tags
  • male nudity
  • male rear nudity
  • gay interest
  • gay
  • gay sex
  • gay protagonist
  • friendship between men
  • best friend
  • friendship
  • bisexual
  • friend
  • sex scene
+2 more
  • sex comedy
  • male protagonist
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Cast & crew

Shoulder Dance Cast & Characters

Matt Dallas leads the cast as Ira, with Rick Cosnett as Roger and Taylor Frey as Josh. Directed by Jay Arnold; 8 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Shoulder Dance

· 4 more
From the director

More from Jay Arnold

One more film directed by Jay Arnold: What Happens Next.

Full filmography
Ratings

Shoulder Dance Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 58/100, strongest in sensory experience (70) and weakest in story & flow (45).

58 /100

Shoulder Dance Echo Score Breakdown

In general, Shoulder Dance elicits a polarized response, with appreciable strengths in visual style and occasional performances, yet falters in narrative cohesion and character depth. Positive feedback highlights the film’s striking cinematography and a cast that occasionally delivers engaging chemistry. Conversely, numerous critics point to a predictable plot, uneven pacing, and superficial character development. The mixed reception results in a modest overall rating that reflects both its entertaining moments and its structural shortcomings.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 62

    Artistic execution stands out through vivid cinematography and careful lighting that many reviewers compare to high‑fashion aesthetics. The film’s visual composition and camera movement receive consistent praise for creating an immersive atmosphere. However, several critics note uneven editing and occasional haze that diminish the overall polish. Consequently, the craft is regarded as above average but hindered by technical inconsistencies.

  • Character & Emotion 55

    Character work benefits from a talented ensemble, with several performances described as nuanced and chemistry that sparks interest. Yet, the script often offers shallow motivations, leading some viewers to label the protagonists as vapid or stereotypical. The disparity between strong acting and limited emotional depth results in a moderate assessment of this element.

  • Story & Flow 45

    The narrative aims for a relatable romance‑comedy premise but suffers from predictable beats and uneven pacing. While a few critics appreciate its heartfelt moments, many highlight contrived plot twists and a lack of originality that impede engagement. Overall, the story is seen as serviceable yet fundamentally flawed.

  • Sensory Experience 70

    Sensory design receives commendation for an atmospheric soundtrack and striking visual style that enhance mood throughout. Reviewers frequently mention the film’s effective use of sound cues and color palettes. Minor criticisms arise concerning occasional audio imbalances and over‑reliance on ambient haze. The sensory experience is generally viewed as a strong component of the film.

  • Rewatch Factor 60

    Rewatch potential is tempered by the film’s mixed qualities; its appealing visuals and occasional humor invite repeat viewings for fans of the director’s aesthetic. Conversely, the weak storyline and shallow character arcs discourage many from returning. On balance, the movie offers limited lasting appeal, resulting in modest rewatch value.

Details

Shoulder Dance Also Known As

2 alternative titles: “肩舞” and “숄더 댄스”.

Also known as
  • 肩舞
  • 숄더 댄스

Seen Shoulder Dance?

FAQ

Shoulder Dance FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of Shoulder Dance, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Shoulder Dance?

Shoulder Dance runs 1 hour 43 minutes (103 minutes).

When was Shoulder Dance released?

Shoulder Dance was released on February 24, 2023.

Who directed Shoulder Dance?

Shoulder Dance was directed by Jay Arnold.

More films by Jay Arnold

Who is in the cast of Shoulder Dance?

Shoulder Dance stars Matt Dallas as Ira, Rick Cosnett as Roger and Taylor Frey as Josh, among 8 credited actors.

Does Shoulder Dance have a post-credit scene?

No. Shoulder Dance has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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